The Chicago Cubs are wasting no time improving their roster this offseason, as they’ve made another significant move by signing left-hander Matthew Boyd to a two-year, $29 million contract. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Boyd, 33, will earn $14.5 million in each year of the deal, with the possibility of earning an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses annually.
Boyd, who has a career mixed with both promise and setbacks, was limited to just 15 starts in 2023 after a left elbow injury ultimately required Tommy John surgery. Despite the setback, Boyd managed to return to form in 2024 with the Cleveland Guardians, after signing a one-year deal with the team in June. Boyd made eight starts for Cleveland down the stretch, stabilizing a rotation that helped the Guardians clinch the American League Central title and secure a first-round bye in the postseason.
His postseason performance further solidified his value. Boyd made a pair of shutout appearances in the ALDS, including 4.2 shutout innings as a starter against his former team, the Detroit Tigers. He also pitched two crucial shutout innings in relief in Game 5 of the series, helping Cleveland advance to the AL Championship Series. Boyd continued to show his effectiveness in the ALCS, allowing just one run over five innings in a Game 3 win over the New York Yankees. His successful late-season surge highlights his potential to contribute to a big league rotation when healthy, making him an intriguing addition for the Cubs.
Though Boyd’s injury history certainly raises questions about his durability, his 2024 resurgence gives the Cubs confidence that he can still be an asset at the back end of their rotation. After an 83-win campaign in 2023, the Cubs are clearly looking to fill the gaps in their roster and improve their chances in the 2024 season. Starting pitching has been a priority for the team, especially after veteran Kyle Hendricks – the last remaining member of the 2016 World Series champion team – signed with the Los Angeles Angels. Boyd provides a cost-effective alternative to the high-profile pitchers available on the market, and perhaps more importantly, he comes without the draft-pick compensation that accompanies many of the bigger names in free agency.
With the Cubs narrowly surpassing the luxury tax threshold in 2024, signing Boyd allows them to avoid surrendering high draft picks or international bonus pool money – something they’d have to do if pursuing pitchers like Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, or Luis Severino, all of whom received qualifying offers.
The Boyd signing is just one of several moves that indicate the Cubs are focusing on upgrading the margins of their roster. In addition to Boyd, they’ve also been active in improving their depth, acquiring left-handed hitting catcher Matt Thaiss from the Angels. Thaiss is expected to form a platoon with right-handed hitting Miguel Amaya behind the plate. The Cubs also made a trade with Cleveland to acquire right-handed reliever Eli Morgan and re-signed left-hander Rob Zastryzny after he was claimed off waivers.
Still, the Cubs’ work is far from finished. Despite these moves, they’ve also made it clear that they’re looking to make a bigger splash, particularly when it comes to outfielder Cody Bellinger. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, rival executives believe the Cubs are actively exploring a trade involving Bellinger, although the team may face challenges in executing such a deal. After a bounce-back season in 2023, Bellinger’s trade value is at its peak, but finding a deal that meets their needs could be difficult, given the high demand for his services.
It’s clear that the Cubs are committed to improving their roster for 2024, but they’re doing so with a methodical approach. The signing of Boyd, along with their other strategic moves, show that the Cubs are not relying on a single big move but are instead working to strengthen all areas of their team. With the Winter Meetings fast approaching, Chicago might still have a few tricks up their sleeve. If Boyd stays healthy and the Cubs continue to improve their depth, 2024 could be an exciting year in the Windy City.
